Over the past year more than half the extra people joining Britain’s workforce were from other EU countries.

It is easy to understand why. In places such as Romania, Bulgaria and Poland the wages on offer are a pittance compared with our own minimum wage. The disparity will only become greater when the new national living wage is introduced.

And in western Europe the imposition of the euro has brought economic ruin. It is impossible to blame people from Italy, Greece, France or Spain for coming to this country to find work when opportunities in their homelands are few and far between.

There is nothing that can be done to stop them. David Cameron wasted his chance to force Eurocrats to hand back control over our borders. While we remain in the EU this situation is never going to change.

Meanwhile, the British people suffer. They are forced to compete for jobs with migrants who, because they often send the money home where prices are much lower, are willing to work for substandard wages.

This puts downward pressure on wages. You do not need to be an economist to understand that, it is simple common sense. When the figures were released yesterday the ONS admitted that the high number of migrants now working here is in part a result of new member states joining the EU.

With Turkey – and several other countries – getting closer to joining every day, we have no choice but to get out before it is too late.

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GETTY

The Queen's Speech

Excellent news for savers

The Queen’s Speech yesterday contained good news for those planning to withdraw a lump sum from their pension pot.

Her Majesty confirmed that the Government will move to cap excessively high exit fees. Meanwhile, bold steps will be taken to protect savers from unnecessary risks and to provide guidance. This is exactly what is required.

The Government has been right all along in giving savers more say in how they use their money.

And given the complexity of the pension system it will come as great reassurance to many to know that advice and protection are at hand.

It is encouraging to learn that George Osborne is committed to building on the excellent reforms he and his ministers have already delivered.

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SWNS

Abigail Bamber saved a man's life

Modest nurse is true hero

Abigail Bamber, an off-duty nurse, saved a man’s life after he was stabbed in the street and left for dead but she shrugged off any suggestion that she is a hero.

Such modesty serves her well but there are plenty of people who will disagree.